GODMOTHER OF OCTOBER PINK, TICIANE PINHEIRO LEADS DEBATE ON IMPORTANCE OF SELF-ESTEEM IN TREATMENT AND RELATIONSHIPS OF WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER

The ideal moment and technique for breast reconstruction, re-signification of the body and of sexuality are frequent doubts and are not always clarified for patients, before, during and after treatment

To broaden society's view on the importance of taking care of self-love, self-confidence and relationships with partners of breast cancer patients, the NGO Américas Amigas invited its godmother Ticiane Pinheiro, journalist and presenter, to conduct a chat about self-esteem of these women. Held in São Paulo, the event brought the clarifications of plastic surgery doctor, Marcelo Olivan and the report of Flávia Flores, former model and founder of the NGO Chemotherapy and Beauty.

For presenter Ticiane Pinheiro, "When the subject is reducing mortality from the type of cancer that kills most women, every effort is valuable. An important part of this work is to increase patients' self-esteem. I believe that the woman who looks more beautiful to herself ends up liking herself more, taking more care of herself", she emphasises. For Mauricio Michelotto, CEO of Outlet Lingerie, a chain of shops essentially linked to the feminine universe, "Everyone's involvement in the campaign is fundamental. Not only women and patients, but also family members and society as a whole. We all have to get involved and help in some way. That's why we at Outlet Lingerie assist in the realization of this event and direct resources to Américas Amigas." Throughout the month, part of the income raised from the sale of this model, signed by Ticiane Pinheiro, will be reverted to the NGO.

Dr. Marcelo Olivan, who works at the Cancer Institute in São Paulo, agrees with the presenter and the businessman. Mainly during the treatment, it is very important for the woman to seek ways of maintaining her self-esteem and vanity, such as the use of make-up and of clothes that make her feel good: "Women with low self-esteem have more difficulty in adhering to the treatment and in maintaining the frequency of the chemo and radiotherapy sessions", he justifies. "In addition, the partner's support is very important. He needs to be aware that the touch will only do good to that woman", she adds.

As regards reconstruction, the most advanced medical conduct recommends surgery at the time of mastectomy (partial or total removal of the breast with the malignant cells). However, it is not always possible, due to numerous clinical factors. "There are also different types of breast implants and surgical procedures, according to the size of the breasts, the patient's anatomy, among other variables", details the surgeon.

Flávia Flores points out that the issue of self-esteem for breast cancer patients encompasses the importance of building a new relationship between these women and their partner in the affective and sexual spheres, and that these are aspects which are commonly neglected during the treatment. "In addition to the loss of libido, it is common for women not to want anyone to see them naked. At that point, the partner is key." In the USA, the term "oncosexology" is already debated and treats the sexuality of cancer patients, in Brazil the agenda is excluded. "Psychological help, physical activity, imagination, accessories are important to improve the couple's sexual relationship", he indicates.

For the president of the NGO Amigas Américas, Francisca Harley: "October Pink is a unique opportunity to spread awareness about breast cancer, but our work does not stop. Many people still do not know that mammography is the main way to detect the disease early, which enables up to 95% chances of cure. That is why we continue in this fight and having important partners by our side such as Ticiane, Outlet Lingerie and Café Suplicy is a source of great satisfaction for us".

LOOK FOR THE GOOD

In this Pink October, Américas Amigas invited everyone to the movement #OLHARDOBEM. This is the publication of posts on social networks of any person with the use of the hashtag OLHARDOBEM, using a pink piece to remind people of the importance of early diagnosis and encouraging donations for the purchase of mammography devices. The NGO invites people to engage in this action as a way to raise awareness about the disease.

About Américas Amigas

Americas Amigas is a non-governmental organization that fights to reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer in Brazil, especially among the low-income population. Founded in 2009, the NGO has already benefited more than 12 Brazilian states through the donation of 23 mammography devices to public hospitals and philanthropic health institutions, in addition to having already offered more than 500,000 mammography exams and 16,000 hours of training and capacity building for mammography professionals. To learn more about Américas Amigas, access: https://americasamigas-org-br.umbler.net

About Outlet Lingerie

Outlet Lingerie is a chain of shops specializing in the segment of lingerie and sleepwear. The company's proposal is to bring to the consumer the most prestigious brands in the country at outlet prices. And the most important: without defects. Prices are attractive and discounts go up to 70% on the original values, always marked on the labels so that the customer can compare the discount. Today Outlet Lingerie has shops throughout the country and has a sales team specializing in lingerie, which guides consumers in choosing the best pieces.

Flavia Flores

In October 2012, after the diagnosis of breast cancer, Flávia Flores created the page "Quimioterapia e Beleza", an unprecedented project that eventually became a reference for women facing the diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancer, with information on beauty, self-esteem and well-being. In December 2015, she set up the Chemotherapy and Beauty Institute, an Institution composed of volunteer and professional board of directors, whose vision is to make the LIFE of all people going through cancer happier and more meaningful. She founded the Flavia Flores Handkerchief Bank, an action unit of the Chemotherapy and Beauty Institute, in which she receives handkerchiefs and, after treatment, lovingly forwards them to all women who request them through the website. She is Ambassador and Godmother of very special projects: Flavia Flores Tissue Bank, De Bem com Você - A Beleza Contra o Câncer (ABIHPEC - Brazilian Association of the Cosmetics and Personal Hygiene Industry) and McDia Feliz (Ronald McDonald House). She is also a columnist for the Brazilian version of the Huffington Post newspaper.